Children's Dentistry

Bottle Caries

Babies who are put to bed with a bottle containing milk or juice can develop dental problems with their newly erupted baby teeth. When liquids, including milk and juice, that have high concentrations of sugar are in constant contact with teeth for a long period of time, the sugars can cause tooth decay. This can lead to a condition known as bottle caries or bottle mouth. Your baby’s teeth can develop cavities and become pitted or discoloured.

Putting your baby to bed with a bottle is a good way to settle them for their nap, however during the night saliva production decreases, allowing the sugars to stay in contact with the teeth for longer. If this is your only settling technique you can try to gently brush your child’s teeth once they have finished their bottle. Alternatively, substitute milk or juice for plain water.